Rocky pays 10c extra for fuel
AS petrol prices drop across the nation, Kylie-Anne Batey and many other Rockhampton residents are left asking, when's our turn?
On Tuesday, Senator Ian Macdonald named Rockhampton as one of the many regional areas in northern Queensland being ripped off when it comes to fuel prices.
"Petrol prices in the capital cities dropped by an average of 11% since April," Senator Macdonald said.
"But over the same time, prices in most regional Queensland locations, including Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, Mackay, Charters Towers, Ayr, Ingham and Bowen have only dropped by an average of 4%."
RACQ executive manager for public policy Michael Roth said Rockhampton residents, along with most of northern Queensland, were paying 10 cents more than they should be.
"At the moment retailers get a 20 cents a litre margin, but we'd prefer they got 10c less," Mr Roth said.
Mr Roth pointed to a lack of competition for the high prices.
He said it was difficult to compare Rockhampton to Brisbane or any other capital city.
"South-east Queensland, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide have price cycles," he said.
"But all regional areas are quite consistent."
Mr Roth predicted petrol prices in south-east Queensland could go down to the high $1.20s, but Rockhampton was looking at around $1.35.
Kylie-Anne, who recently bought a fuel-efficient car, said she was paying $30 a week for fuel.
"That's quite impressive," she said.
"I think (prices here) are ridiculous.
"But you need it, so you have to pay it."
